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RECORD OF 
THE MILITARY SERVICE 



OF 



dolonel Benjamin (3olbtbwaite 

A PROVINCIAL SOLDIER 



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COLONEL BENJAMIN GOLDTHWAITE, A 
PROVINCIAL SOLDIER. 

By Captain Robert GoivDTHWAiTE Carter, U.S. Army. 

Benjamin'' Goldthwait (John\ SamueP, Thomas^) 
was born November 5, 1704, probably on Charter 
Street, Boston. His father was Captain John Gold- 
thwait of Salem and Boston, and his mother Sarah 
Hopkins, whose mother was Margaret Henchman, 
the sister of Major Thomas Henchman of Concord and 
Chelmsford, the celebrated Indian fighter of the French 
and Indian Wars. There was another sister — Joanna 
Henchman— wife of Charles Hoar, Sheriff in 1634 of 
Gloucester, England, who came a widow to New Eng- 
land with her sons, and was ancestress of the Hoar 
family in Massachusetts. The Hopkins sisters had a 
brother named Benjamin, a ship carpenter, from whom 
Colonel Benjamin probably took his name. 

He was a brother of Ezekiel Goldthwait, Town Clerk 
of Boston for twenty years, and Register of Deeds for 
Suffolk Co., and Clerk of the Inferior Court for thirty- 
six years; also of Capt. Joseph Goldthwait, who was 
First Lieutenant and Adjutant of Pepperrell's regiment 
at the siege of Louisburg in i744-'5, and was breveted 
a Captain, March 20, i744-'5. His half-brother was 
Col. Thomas Goldthwait, with whom your readers are 
now famihar as Secretary of War in 1 761-3, of the 
Province of Massachusetts Bay, and Commander of 
Fort Pownall, 1 763-1 775. 

He was one of the original grantees of the Township 
of Barnard (Bernard) in the Province of New Hamp- 
shire, July 17, 1 761. (State Papers of N. H., 26:23). 

Benjamin" m. October 10, 1726, Charity Edwards, 



b. September 23, 1707. He d. at Medford, Mass., 
1761. She m. (2), September 8 or 28, 1762, Joseph 
Collins (?). (Perhaps Timothy.) 

Their children were: i. Charity, b. January 14, 
1723; m. (i) October 23, 1755, AHns (perhaps Allen) 
George. She d. July 21, 1807. 

II. Sarah, b. August 2, 1730; m. June 9, 1748, by 
Rev. Ephraim Bownd, David Mason of Boston. 

III. Elizabeth, bapt. May 26, 1734; m. May 25, 
1748, by Rev. Ephraim Bownd, Nathaniel Harris of 
Boston. 

IV. Benjamin* (?), b. 1743, m. (i) I^ois Boardman, 
of Lynn; (2) Elizabeth Wadsworth Barrett, dau. 
Joseph Wadsworth and Ruth (Smallidge) Barrett; 
b. 1772, d. 1847. One dau., Lois Boardman, who m. 
Matthew Lodge, a great-uncle of Senator Henry Cabot 
Lodge of Massachusetts (his great-grandfather and 
Matthew Lodge being brothers). Their daughter, 
Anne Lodge, m. about 1831-32, Alfred Dorr, son of 
John and Esther (Goldthwait) Dorr,t a well-known 
merchant of Boston. They had three children. 

Little is known of Colonel Benjamin's early life. 
From the Boston Records he appears on March 8, 
i735> 3-s one of the Constables of Boston; also in 1736 
from Ward 12. In 1742 he was one of 12 clerks of the 
market and also "May 11, 1743, Benjamin Goldthwait, 
a clerk of the market be allowed £2 i6s." This was a 
special allowance by the selectmen, given for his ex- 
traordinary care in attending to his duty. He joined 
the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1 740. 

*He was of Lynn and Maiden. It was not quite certain that he was 
a son of Colonel Benjamin. 

tEsther (Goldthwaite) Dorr was a daughter of Benjamin and Sally 
White (Dawes) Goldthwaite. He was a son of Capt. Joseph Gold- 
thwait referred to. 



Gift 



As a soldier the first record we have of him is that he 
was in the first expedition to Louisburg in 1745, under 
Sir Wm. Pepperrell. He was then Captain Fourth 
Company, Col. Samuel Waldo's Second Massachusetts 
Regiment. He was commissioned at Louisburg by- 
Governor Shirley (N. E. Gen. Reg., 24; 369-70), Feb- 
ruary 9, 1744, and it is possible he was in the expedition 
the year before to Annapolis, 1744. 

His officers were Lieut. Charles Harrison and Ensign 
Joseph Newhall. In a list of the agents of the regiments 
which were at Louisburg, who met May 20, 1746, at 
Capt. Benjamin Prescott's, were Capt. Benjamin 
Goldthwait for Colonel Waldo's regiment. These 
agents probably received the pay and bounty for the 
men, were under bond, and really acted in the capacity 
of paymasters. It is exceedingly unfortunate that the 
accounts of this remarkable expedition are so meager. 
The rolls of the troops were, it is understood, taken to 
England, or lost and destroyed, and aside from what 
is contained in the Life of Sir Wm. Pepperrell, and a 
few scattered Journals, and lists found here and there, 
history records scarcely any of the details concerning 
the siege and capture of this once great stronghold of 
the French in this country. 

At the request of Paul Mascarene, who had been 
appointed Governor of Nova Scotia, another expedition 
was fitted out the following year for the purpose of 
holding the conquered territory against the French. 
He asked for one thousand men from the province. 
De Ramezay, who commanded a considerable body of 
Canadians, French and Indians at Chignecto, had 
withdrawn from Minas to that place with the intention 
of wintering in the province so as to be ready to unite 
with the land and sea forces expected from France in 



the spring with a view to the reduction of Annapolis 
Royal. 

Mascarene, finding that the troops at his disposal 
were inadequate to cope with this expected force, made 
this requisition on New England. The colonies voted 
the whole number, but owing to certain causes only 
500 went from Massachusetts. 

All Gentlemen Soldiers and others that incline to 
enlist themselves in his Majesty's service under the 
Command of Captain Benjamin Goldthwait, for rein- 
forcing the Garrison at Louisburg, shall meet with all 
proper encouragement by applying themselves to him 
at his house in Milk St., Boston, and shall have Nine 
Pounds, Old Tenor, paid down upon their enlisting, 
besides a good blanket and Ten Pounds per month, 
with Thirty shillings per week for their Board till they 
Embark. They shall be kindly received and well 
treated by me. 

(sgd.) Benjamin Goldthwait. 

(Boston Evening Post, Monday, Jan. 27, 1746.) 

Col. Arthur Noble, who had been Lieutenant-Colonel 
of Waldo's regiment at Louisburg, came with these 
troops from Boston as commander, and Major Benja- 
min Goldthwait as second in command. 

Had the New Hampshire and Rhode Island troops 
arrived on time, it was Governor Mascarene's intention 
to have assumed the offensive and swept the province 
of De Ramizay's troops before he could be reinforced. 
The latter was not long in learning of the presence of 
the British at Minas, and how Colonel Noble and his 
soldiers were quartered among the people at Grand Pre. 
Although the majority of the Acadians abstained from 
openly aiding the French in their attacks upon the 
English (they had taken the oath of allegiance to Great 



Britain after the capture of I^ouisburg) , there was always 
a disaffected body among them ready to give assistance 
and information to the enemy. 

Acting upon this information obtained from Minas, 
DeRamizay held a council of his officers ; they were all 
of the opinion that it would be wise to move and take 
the initiative, driving out the enemy before they had 
time to establish themselves. 

DeRamizay, having injured his knee, and in conse- 
quence unable to undure such a march, turned over the 
command to Coulon de Villiers, who had 240 Canadians 
and 60 Malecite and Micmac Indians. 

They provided themselves with wicker-work sleighs 
and snow-shoes for the whole party, and at noon on the 
23d of January set forth on that heroic march of 80 
leagues (240 miles) in the depths of winter, through ice 
and snow and a trackless forest, a march which, if not 
well authenticated by both French and EngHsh accounts, 
would seem well-nigh incredible. Colonel Noble had 
been informed by the natives (perhaps with too great 
a degree of assurance) that such a danger as that of 
surprise was impossible. He himself regarded the coun- 
try impassable by soldiers and, although a careful 
officer with his sentinels out, probably had no pickets 
far out in the direction of the approach of the enemy 
and was in a comfortable winter cantonment, with his 
men lodged or billeted upon the inhabitants for the 
distance of about one mile and a half throughout the 
village of Grand Pre. 

After a march of 17 days de Villiers arrived at Pize- 
gent, now Windsor. On the 9th of February he 
divided his troops into ten detachments, taking with 
himself 4 cadets and 75 men, and made the attack in the 



midst of a furious snowstorm.* One account says that 
the roads leading to the village were found guarded 
(presumably picketed), as also were the houses, but in 
the blinding snowstorm no sentinel could hear the sound 
of an approaching enemy, or see in the darkness their 
forms until it was too late to give the alarm. 

The sentinels were shot down, the doors battered 
with axes, and rushing into the houses they surprised 
the British in bed. The house in which Colonel Noble 
was quartered was the first attacked, showing that the 
enemy had been informed of this. He was killed , as was 
also his brother, Ensign Noble, while many officers were 
killed, wounded and taken prisoners.! Those who were 
in the houses not attacked, collected to the number of 
350 in a stone building. Among this number was Capt. 
Benjamin Goldthwait, Capt. Charles Morris and twelve 
other officers. When dayhght broke a sortie was made 
by this hardy band of soldiers, and then commenced a 
hand-to-hand combat from house to house along the 
village streets while a furious snowstorm raged continu- 
ally all the while. 

By II A. M. the ammunition and provisions of the 
EngHsh were nearly exhausted. A flag of truce passed 
at noon, and a suspension of arms was agreed until 
9 A. M. the next day by Capt. Benjamin Goldthwait ^ 
on the part of the EngHsh and M. LaCorne on the part 
of the French, Coulon deVilliers being then at Gasperaux 



*The other nine divisions were made up of an officer and 28 men each. 
These were assigned to assail ten houses only; the remaining fourteen 
houses were not to be attacked. 

The French, not considering themselves strong enough to surprise 
the whole body of English, at once moved against the strongest houses, 
where most of the officers were lodged. This is only another positive 
proof that they had received accurate information of the entire dis- 
position of the English force. 

fAmong the latter was Lieut. Joseph Gerrish, for many years after- 
wards Naval Storekeeper at Halifax. 



where he had been carried severely wounded in the arm. 
Articles of capitulation were soon after entered into for 
the surrended of the English and this minor but des- 
perate conflict passed into history. 

The foregoing brief account of this battle has been 
taken mainly from the HaHfax, N. S., Evening Mail of 
October i, 1894, kindly sent the writer by the Rev. 
Samuel Ruggles of that city. 

Shortly after this affair, Captain Goldthwait sailed 
for Boston where he is reported to have arrived on the 
Ordnance Packet from AnnapoHs Royal, February 25, 
1747. His account of the battle is published in the 
Boston Weekly Post of Monday March 2, 1747, a few 
days after his arrival. In most all other accounts the 
battle is given as having taken place in 1746. 

His account does not differ materially from that 
already cited, ex<:ept in dates and details. He says: 

"It, the battle, was on Sat. Jan. 31 (1746-7); at 
2 o'clock in the morning the attack was made. The 
roads were thought impassable; the houses in which 
the men were lodged were scattered about a mile and 
a half. Col. Noble had, the night before, unfortunately 
moved the main guard from 'em to a stone house in 
the town at a small distance, and after being himself 
surprised in his own quarters, first received two wounds 
in his body, and returned the enemy's fire three times 
in his shirt, was at last shot dead with a musket ball 
(which entered his forehead).* His brother was killed 
fighting in the same house. Lieut. Jones (who, after 
a brave resistance, by which he had rid himself of some 
of the enemy) was at last run through the heart with a 
bayonet, as he was endeavouring to escape. Lieuts. 

*It is said the enemy heard his voice, and shouted to him that by 
surrendering he could save his life, but he either did not hear them in 
the noise and confusion, or preferred death to being taken prisoner 
under the conditions of such a surprise. 



8 

Lechmere (a nephew of Lord Lechmere) and Pickering, 
who were iDoth killed in their beds, had been confined 
several weeks by a dangerous illness. The attack 
lasted until 12 o'clock noon. When at daylight the 
remainder, not already killed or captured, about 350 
got together at the stone house where the main guard 
was kept, and it was proposed by 'em to issue out the 
recovery of Col. Noble's quarters, and their vessels 
(which were also in the enemies hands) where all their 
ammunition was lodged, except what each liad about 
him, but a snow storm of about thirty hours continu- 
ance having happened just before the enemy's arrival, 
which had occasioned a very deep, light snow upon the 
ground , that had almost buried them and their arms in 
their attempt to reach the main guard, and being able 
to muster up no more of their snow shoes than 18 pair, 
the rest being aboard their vessels, and the enemy (whose 
number they had learnt) being all provided with theirs, 
it was impracticable for 'em to succeed in such an 
attempt, or to issue out of the stone house without the 
utmost risque of being cut off by the enemy. 

However, it was attempted, but they were forced 
to desist, upon finding themselves plunge so deeply in 
the snow as to a make their arms useless. Wherefore, 
upon examining into their stores and ammunition, and 
finding that they had but 8 charges of powder per man 
left, and as many rounds of ball to defend themselves 
with in case of an attack after the cessation of arms 
should be expired, and not above one days provision 
in bread, they judged it most advisable to accept of 
honourable terms from the enemy, which were most 
readily granted 'em." 

The French account, translated from the report of 
the French Government, and found on p. 106, Vol. 9, 
N. E. His. Reg., is briefly as follows: 

"The French and Indians, all on snoeshoes, numbered 
about 300. They set out from Beaubassin, Jan. 23, 
1747, under the command of Captain Coulon. They 



arrived at Pegugint (Pizegent) Feb. lo. The force was 
divided into lo subdivisions so as to make a simul- 
taneous attack on as many houses in which the Enghsh 
were quartered. On the morning of the i ith he was in 
a position to attack. 

"The EngHsh had sentinels at each house and kept 
good watch. De Coulon, almost at the first of the 
attack, received a severe wound in the arm and had to 
return. The command devolved on Chevalier de La 
Corne. He attacked the house occupied by Col. 
Noble: his brother and Captain Howe, member of the 
Council at Port Royal, kilhng the two former, and 
dangerously wounding the latter. He remained in 
the house, prevented the approach of the English, and 
compelled them to take refuge in the stone house already 
mentioned. 

"The firing was constant until 3 P. M. when it ter- 
minated. The reported loss of the English was 130 
men , including 6 officers , killed on the spot , 34 wounded — 
and 53 taken prisoners. The French lost 6 men, viz: 
3 Canadians, a farmer belonging to Port Toulouse, and 
2 Micmacs: had 14 wounded, including de Coulon and 
Cadet deLusignan. 

"Capt. Howe's dangerous wound prompted him to 
request Captain de LaCorne to send for an English 
surgeon to stanch it, the French surgeon being at the 
time engaged in attendance upon Capt De Coulon. 
French hostages were sent, and a suspension of hostili- 
ties took place until the Enghsh surgeon was sent back. 
It was then that two English officers came out of their 
houses, and advanced with a French flag toward the 
house where Monsieur LaCorne lay, who went out to 
receive them. They proposed a cessation of hostiH- 
ties until 9 o'clock the next morning. He granted 
them their request, but perceiving at a very early hour 
the next morning that they were leaving their houses, 
and collecting the cattle, he sent to notify them that 
if they did not return to their houses at once, the 
armistice should terminate. 



lO 

"Mr. Goldthwaite, the English Commander, came to 
see Sieur de LaCorne.in company with another officer, 
and after having excused himself, ordered all of his 
men to retire; asked to capitulate, and submitted his 
terms in writing. Sieur de LaCorne agreed to a portion 
of these after having taken advice of his officers (one 
account says he wrote to Coulon,who replied verbally 
that he would approve of whatever LaCorne and the 
officers with him should decide upon), and told Mr. 
Goldthwaite to make haste with his decision, as a 
prompt renewal of the attack had been determined 
upon. 

"The Capitulation was then signed. 

"Capitulation granted by His Most Christian 
Majesty's troops to those of His Britannic Majesty at 
Grand Free. * * * 

* * * Done at Grand Free, the 12th of Feb'y, 

1747- 

" (Signed) Coulon de VilHere, commanding the French. 

Benjamin Goldthwait, Commanding the English. 

who has signed with thirteen others. 

"For Copy 

"(Signed) De Ramesay. 

(F. 92, Vol. 10, N. Y. Colonial Docs. Faris Docs.) 

(Vol. 9, p. 107, N. E. His. Gen. Reg.) 

After the articles of capitulation had been signed by 
both parties, the English officers passed the day with 
the French, and were agreeably surprised to find them 
polished and humane, now that the desperate conflict 
was over. 

Murdoch (History of Nova Scotia) says, referring to 
a supper given eight years after by Vergnon to the 
visitors at Beausijour (Beau Sejour) : 

"This reminds me of the banquet at Minas, in 1747, 
given by the French officers, then victors, to the surviv- 
ing officers of Colonel Noble's troops after a much 
more tragic conflict, and it is just possible that there 
might have been some guest at this supper who had 



II 



been present at the entertainment of eight years before." 
(HaHfax Evening Mail, October i, 1894.) It is more 
than probable that Benjamin Goldthwait was present. 
Colonel Noble, in a letter dated Grand Pre at Minas, 
January 28, 1746 (7), refers to the probable where- 
abouts of the missing New Hampshire and Rhode Island 
troops ; of his waiting for them to enable him to make 
the march before bad weather set in, so that he could 
destroy the enemy as he fully intended. He adds: 
"I am informed that it is impracticable to march hence 
by land to Chignecto." 

And yet the French and Indians, on snow-shoes, 
did just what was thought could not possibly be done. 
After the capitulation the paroled English officers and 
men marched to Annapolis Royal. Before their arrival 
there, they received the following letter from Governor 
Mascarene : 

"Annapolis Royal, Feb. 7, 1746 (?)-7. 
"Gentlemen 

"I have received the news of your misfortune at 
Minas as one of those things to which we are liable in 
war. I am sorry for the number of men we have lost, 
but as from all hands I understand that you fought like 
brave men, I am the easier under this misfortune. 
I send Col. Gorhan to receive you, and acquaint you 
with what we have talked over. I desire you will 
follow his directions. I need not tell you to keep your 
people in heart, for I have that opinion of them that 
I believe every one of them would be glad to meet his 
enemy on even ground and that (it) is nothing but the 
surprise that has given them any advantage over you. 
"I am, Gentlemen, 

"Your most humble servant, 

"P. Mascarene. 
"To the • 

"Commander, and all other (of) the officers of the 
Party returning from Minas." 



12 

Not content with two expeditions to this country, 
in which he had endured so many hardships and priva- 
tions, we find Colonel Goldthwait again in that of 
Col. John Winslow in 1755 to Cape Breton, or, as some 
historians designate it, "The Acadian Expedition." 
It resulted in the almost total destruction of the Acadian 
country, but what was far worse and, to look back 
upon now, a blot upon the term civilization, was their 
removal and scattering all over the colonies. 

To read of their separations and distress, their heart- 
felt grief and despair at being thus torn from their homes, 
is enough to call forth feeling and sympathy from a heart 
of stone. 

The following extracts are given, taken largely from 
"Winslow's Journal of the Siege of Beausejour (Beau 
Sejour)," found entire in the Nova Scotia Historical 
Society Collections, Vols. 3-4, and relating especially 
to Col. Benjamin Goldthwait's service in that expedi- 
tion. 

(P. 119, Vol. 4): 

Portsmouth, Apr. 6, 1755. 
Sir: 

By Majr. Benjamin Goldthwait, I have the favour 
of your letter to Gov'r Shirley on the subject of Majr. 
Fryes memorial came too late to meet the Gov'r. I 
therein engage to inquire into the Facts therein Set 
forth in your memorial, and have given Orders Accord- 
ingly, but I am apprehensive the Complaint arose more 
from disappointment than from any Solid Reasons 
that can be offered. 

As the Person Referred to in the Memorial has been 
employed by me to raise a Company in the Pay of the 
Government, for some time, and Even before the date 
of Fryes Memorial; but if Majr. Frye has enlisted into 
his Majes. Service any Men in this Government, and 
will transmitt to me their Enlistments as soon as I 



13 

have Compleated the Number of Troops, I am raising in 
this Government, I will endeavour that Such Men shall 
be Delivered up: And an Application at first might 
have Saved this Trouble on both Sides: for as I am to 
raise a Larger body of Troops (very Suddenly), then 
ever were Raised at one time in this Province, It is to 
be expected that until that Regt is Compleat, I shall 
take Such Measures as will effectually answer to pro- 
cure them. 

This Province has laid open to the Officers of Gov'r 
Shirley s & Sir Wilham Pepperrell's Regiments and will 
be so until those two Regiments are Compleated, for 
which Reason, Majr. Goldthwait meets with my Diffi- 
culty in taking with him the men he enlisted for that 
Service. I am, Sr 

Your most Humble Servant, 

B(enning) Wentworth. 
To E(liakim) Hutchinson Esq., 

(Page 123): 

"Portsmouth, Apr. 14, 1755. 
Sir: 

Yesterday in the afternoon I was favoured with 
your letter of the 12 th Instant wherein you signify a 
Concern, that the Regiment whereof you are Lievt. 
Coll. destined for Nova Scotia does not meet with the 
Same Treatment as Gov'r Shirley's own Regiment, and 
Sir Wilham Pepperrell's: for both these Regiments I 
had his Majess. Commands to assist in filhng up to 
One Thousand Men each, Govr. Shirley had my General 
Orders to the Colls, of the respective Regiments, not 
to give any interruption to his recruiting officer as you 
find by the despatch, Majr. Goldthwait had in his appli- 
cation . Sir William Pepperell' s recruiting Ofl^cers le vyed 
their men under my Beating Orders, and all these 
Forces were regularly raised by the Capt-General's 
Orders and Permission. 

I have had no trouble with them. I am altogether 
a Stranger to any Agreement made between Frye and 
Rogers (Major Robert Rogers the celebrated scout) or 



H 

whether there was any, but if there was any it must be 
irregular, &c. &c. (Balance of letter not material.) 

(Sgd) B. Wentworth. 
To Lievt Coll. Winslow." 

(P. 126): A Return of Men Mustered for his Excel- 
lency, Govr. Shirley's Regiment raised for Nova Scotia. 

Maj. Prebble 106 

Maj. Goldthwaite 86 

(P. 127): 
His Excellency Governour Shirley's Provincials. 

Dr- 1755- 
To Sum Dues advanced the Several Officers to 

enable them to Recruit for which I took Security Paya- 
ble to the Governour. 

Feby. 13. 

Benj. Goldthwait and Ezekiel Goldthwait, Esq. 
Bond 90-0-0. (It is possible that Ezekiel G. went on 
his brother's bond for this amount advanced.) 

It appears that the transports were in Boston Har- 
bor ready to sail as early as April 13, 1755. (See 
Winslow's Journal.) 

(P. 135, May 13, 1755)- 

"It is the voice of the whole Battalion, Maj. Gold- 
thwait' s Company accepted, that the men Inclined to 
Receive their pay as it becomes Due." 

(P-I35): 

Embarked as following transports. May 20, 1755, 

6 A. M., Sloop Ranger, 40 tons(?), Francis Perry, 

Master, Benj. Goldthwait. * * * 

(P. 136): May 25, Arrived at Bassin of Annapolis 

Royal. 

(P. 137) : Form of Return of Companys, &c. 
Majr. Benja. Goldthwait's Company: 
I Capt. I lievt. i Ensign. 4 Sergts. 4 Corpls. 
2 Drums. Total Com. Off. & Privs. 87. Total Off. 
& Men 90. Total Men 77. 



15 

(P 138): Officers of First Batt. * * * 
Field Officer Benj'n Goldthwait, Maj'r. 
Capts. * * * Maj'r Goldthwait.— Officers of his 

Lievt. Eben Marrow. Lievt. Thos. Lane. Ensign 
Nath'l Barrel! 

Hand or Hand (?), ye Barer Job Crooker, Lievt on 
Board His Majesty's Ship Success. 

Bay of Funday, June i, i755- 

Lievt. Colo. Winslow orders the Following Cask of 
Cartherages to be Removed from on Board the Brigan- 
tine Pegassus, Andrew Malcolm, Master; vizn. the fol- 
lowing Numbers, vizt. 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 
Containing in the whole 8748 Cartherages to the Sloop 
Industry, George Goodwin, Master ,^and to be Dehvered 
in the following maner, vizn. * * * 

To Majr Goldthwait's Company: 

&c &c You are also to See Delivered to the officers 
of Each Company for the use of them Selves & Com- 
panys Drummers Excepted, 2 Flints Each, vizt Gold- 
th waits. 

(P lAri) : Capt. Rouse, Bay of Funday, 

June I, 1755- 

Contra. Arms & Delivered Cr. 

To Majr Goldthwait's Company 85 

Contra ^^• 

By Cartheradges Delivered to 

Maj. Goldthwaits (Company) 1035 

To be Delivered •• 765 

1800 

June 2: On Board His Majesty's Ship Success, John 
Rouse, Esqr, Master Comdr. At a Council of War, 
Held on Board Sd Ship. 



i6 

John Rouse, Esqr, Pres. 

Washn Shirley, Esq, Comdr of His Maj Ship Mair- 
maid. 

Proby, Esq, Comdr of his Majestys Ship Siren. 

Lievt Colo Moncton. Lievt Colo Winslow. 

Lievt Colo Scott. Capt Hale. 

Capt Spittle. Capt Brown. 

Majr Preble. Majr Frye. 

Majr Goldthwait. Majr Bourn. 

Proceedings follow, &c., &c. * * * 

* * * Resolved That the troops (go) up in the 
Transportes upon the Tide and Land as near as they 
Can to Forte Lawrence this afternoon, &c. &c. 

June 3: At a Council of War (same members) 
resolved to March to-morrow Morning at Brake of the 
Day in order to (lay) Siege to Forte Beausejour. 
P. 146. 

P. 193, Vol. 3, (1882-3) :N.S. His. Coll. "A Rool of 
the Indians (of the first Battalion of General Shirley's 
Regiment) that are on command at the Isthmus Block- 
House — Simon Frose, Majr. Goldthwaite's Company" 
&c. &c. 

(P. 150, Vol. 4), June 10: 

A Return of the First Batt of his Excellencys Govr. 
Shirley's Regt. vizt. — the Effectives. 

Majr Goldthwaits. i Capt. i Lievt. 4 Sergts. 
4 Corpls. 2 Drums. 75 Privs. 

Total (in Batt) 126 

(Signed) John Winslow. 

(P. 155): From the Intrenchment, June 14, 1755. 

* * * Relieved Eleven in the evening by Capt 
Huzey, Major Goldthwait and Bourn who were ac- 
companied by Capt Cobb, who brought with them 
Thirteen inch mortar & Divers other Milatary stores 
with Three teams. Exstream Dark and Rained very 
hard, Lost our way in returning to the Camp, Got close 
under (?) the Fort and Did (not) arrive to our (camp) 
til two of the Clock in the morning. 



17 

(P.I56): 

A Return of the sick in the First Batt. 
Major Goldthwait's (Co.) * * * 9 

(Pp. 155-6): 

Beausejour-Orders June 14, Pattrol Rouse, Counter- 
sign — Frinds to Boston. — The Trenches to be ReHved 
this Night by the same number of officers and Men as 
Yesterday, Capt Huzey, Major Goldthwait and Major 
Bourn for that Duty, as the adjutants have Some 
Difficulty in Parading Men for Sudden Occasions, the 
Sergeants telling them all their Men are on Duty out of 
their Turns which ought not to be as the whole number 
of Mounted in 24 hours are but 682 and the Number 
Doing Duty 1727 — as follows^ — regulars 224, Winslows 
827, Scotts 656, the officers of the Companys are there- 
fore Desiered to See Exact Duty rolls kept, and to take 
Care that their Men are Constantly in Camp and ready 
for service, the Sergeants are able to make regular 
reports of the Sick Dayley, Lievt Moncrieffe of Govr. 
Shirleys Regiment is appointed by Lievt Govr Lawrence 
Judge Advocate of General Court Martial on the 
Expedition. * * * 

The diary of Surgeon John Thomas, afterwards a 
Major General in the Revolution, confirms in very 
quaint language, but a little more in detail, these dates 
and statements. He says (N. E. His. Gen. Reg., ;^^: 
383-398) : 

June 14. 

"We dugg Trenches all Night this Day we threw 
Bumbs all Day with Eight & Four Intch morter the 
Enemy threw from thare Foart 150 canon Shott & Four 
9 intch Bums So that we Kept a warm Fire upon Each 
other all Day a Party of the Enemy Salley out on our 
Gards upon our Right wing I was ordered by Colonel 
winslow to Detach 70 men from the Trenches & go to 
the assastance of our Gard^ which I did & we Soone 
obliged them to Retreat to the Foart Major Gold- 



i8 

thwaite & major Brown Came from the Camp with 400 
men & ReHved Colonel winslow very Raney In the 
Even^ & very Dark as we came Dow to ye Camp. " 

June 15. 

"Very Raney Last Night & this Day major Gold- 
thwaite's Commander of the Trenche® they Kept up a 
warm Fire all Day they Got one Large Morter to Bair 
on ye Enemy ^ Foart & threw Several Shell of 13 Intch 
Diameter." 

Winslow' s Journal — Continued. 

(P. 157): 

"Pattrol Probey. June 16 The Trenches to be re- 
lieved by the same number of officers and Men as yes- 
terday. Lieut Colo Winslow, Capt Hale, and Majr 
Frye for that Duty to Parade at 4 o'clcok. The enemy 
began their Fire this Morning Early, which was Briskly 
returned by our 13 & 8 inch Mortars, about nine Came 
a Flagg of Truce from the Fort with Forms in order for 
a Capitulation on which Council of War was Called 
Consisting Lievt Colo Monckton, Lievt Colo Winslow, 
Capt Broon, Huzey, Spittle, Majr Frye, Goldthwait, & 
Boun, & Mr. Bruce the Engineer who rejected the 
Terms, and Proposed others, vizt To this Effect. That 
they the French march out with their Small arms, 
Drums Beating, Match Lighted, & the Honours of War 
and Transported at the Cost of the King of Great 
Britain to Lewisburgh and not Bare Arms for six months 
from the Date & leaving of their effects, &c.&c. (The 
Journal shows that the fort surrendered on this day.) 

(P. 165): Fort Cumberland, Camp, June 20, 1755. 

Sir: I was favoured with yours, and ordered you 
Bread for Two Days, and for Porke you will be Good 
Enough to Supply your Self out of the Porke found in 
the Forte. Capt Rous, Shirley and Probey are to be up 
here this Morning when we shall Determine Concerning 
what we shall do with that Forte. I have desired Majr 



19 

Goldthwait to send a party with the Bread. I am Sir, 
in Compliments to the Gentlemen with you, 

Your Most obt Humble Servant, 
To Lievt Colo Winslow Robert Moncton. 

Commanding at Gaspereau. 

The party arrived with the Bread all well. 

(P. 171): Return of Uevt Colo Winslows Batt of Col 
William Shirley's Provincial Regiment of Foot, 
June 26, 1755: 
Whole companies in the Province * * * 
Majr Goldthwaits 4 Sergts, 4 Corpls, 2 Drums, 
82 Privs. At Fort Lawrence 2 Privs. On Command at 
Gaspereau, i Corpl— 9 Privs. Fit for Duty 4 Sergts, 
3 Corpls, 2 Drums, 70 Privs. 

(P. 182) : Receypt Given for Arms in the First Batt. of 
Govr Shirleys Regiment, June 17, 1755, vizt. * * * 
Major Goldthwaits (Co.) Signed by himself 90 

(P. 184): Tents Delivd to the Several Capts of the 
First Batt of Govr Shirleys regiment as they say. 
vizt: 

To Majr Goldthwaits 16 

(P. 185): 

From the Camp at Beausejour, 30 June, 1755. 
A return of the Names of the Vessels & Masters in 
which the several Companies of the First Battalion were 
Transported from N. E. to Nova Scotia * * * 
Sloop Ranger, Francis Percy (Perry), Major Gold- 
thwaites. Sloop Three Frinds, & Sloop Jolley, Davis 
with the remains of Several Companies. 

John Winsi^ow. 
(P. 186): 

The Orders of the Day-Parole Pepperrell. 
June 30. The Companies that remains here are 
Ivievt Colo Winslows Battalion, Capt Cobbs, Capt 
Speakmans & Capt Stertevants of Lievt Colo Scotts, 
Capt Jones & Capt Gilberts, the other sixteen Com- 
panies of the two Battahons to hold them Selves in 



20 

Readiness to Embarque on Board the following Trans- 
ports * * * Majr Goldthwaits — Sloop Ranger, 
Perey. 

July 6. 

"Mr. Phillips preached all Day on ye Parade. I 
dined wath Capt Baley major Goldthwaite & others 
Capt Willard Capt Speakman Doc* Kost & myself ware 
chosen to Settle Sum Differences that arose Between 
Capt Nathan Adams & OHver Noyse which we Did 
P. M." (Thomas' Diary). 

(P. 197): 

Camp Beausejour, July 6, 1755. 

We the Subscribers being desiered by Capt Nathan 
Adams & Lievt Oliver Noyce to reconsile their Differ- 
ance and Vindicate the Charracter of Capt Adams from 
the False aspertions that has been Publickly, Impru- 
dently & inadvertently made by sd Noyce, think Proper 
that Mr. Noyce on the Perade to-morrow Morning, 
after Prayers Make the following acknowledgement 
before the Commission officers of Both Battalions viz 
That he had Imprudently and Inadvertently Spread a 
False reporte of Capt Adams behaviour and Good 
Conduct at the Block House at Ponte Debute and ask 
his Pardon for the Same. 

(Sgd) Benja Goldthwait, Abi- 
jah Willard, Thos Speakman, P. 
Goodfree (Cost (?), John Thomas. 

which was Complyed with. 

And afterwards Sergt Brewer Made an acknowledge- 
ment at the Head of the Regiment that he raised the 
False reporte and Capt Adams forgave him. 

(P. 193) : Camp Beausejour, July 10, 1755. 

A Return of the several Companies in the First 
Battallion of Govr Shirleys Regt under the command of 
Colo Winslow of what Cartherages wanted, vizt. * * * 
Majr Goldthwaits 222 



21 

(P. 206) : 

A Return of the Wounded, Sick & Those unfit for 

Duty here & Fort Lawrence * * * Majr Gold- 

thwaits (Co.) 

Samuel Marston, old & Infirm. Elisha Fuller, Fever 

& Rumatizen. Richd Wall, weak in Limbs. Edward 

Flyn, Lame with ulcer in his legs. Zachariah Reed, 

Fits. Of the Governour's Co. John Carter, old & Lame. 

(P. 209) : 
A Return of the First Battallion of the Provisional 
Regiment Commanded by Majr General Shirley. 

Chignecto, July 22, 1755. * * * 
* * * Majr Goldthwaits * * * 

Fit for Duty 4 Sergts. 3 Corpls. 2 Drums. 79. 

Sick. I Corpl. 

Effectives. 4 Sergts. 4 Corpls. 2 Drums. 82 
Privs. * * * 

(P. 211): Camp Beausejour, July 24, 1755. 

A Court Martial to be held forthwith for the Tryal of 
Peter an Indian for Fighting with his Mess Mate and 
Sighting a Piece of his arm sd Indian belonging to Capt 
Malcolms Compy in the First Battallion and for the 
Tryal of arthur Tea for Pulling up the wiping (whip- 
ping) post and Carrying it of. members of the Court 
Capt Lamson, President, Lievts Fitch, Winslow & 
Wheeler & Ensign Barrell. 

(Sgnd) Benja Goldthwait. 

The Court Sate & Examined into the Facts and Give 
Sentence that the sd Peter Should ride the wooden 
Horse half an Hour and that ye sd Tea be Set at Liberty 
Sentence Confirmed & Punishment Inflicted at the 
Relief of the Guards. 

B. G. 

Note. — Benjamin Goldthwait must have been in 
command of the camp on this day. 



22 

July. 

Thus have we Got to the End of the whole of which 
was Spent in an Indolent Manner and the acquaintance 
between the Two Camps Greatly Dropt. There being 
no Cal for a Convention of officers Since the Surrender 
of Forte Cumberland and no Partys of the Army Stir- 
ring. Thoh I Immediately after the Burning of the 
Forte on the River of St Johns appyed to Colo Monck- 
ton for leave to Proceed in Strong Partys Two or Three 
days March at a time to reconniter the Countrey and 
name our Selves acquainted with its Scituation and 
urged that it would Not make us Pilots in the Province 
but would also be beneficial to the Healths of the men 
& Continued to renew the request often and was also 
Backt in that Motion by Majrs Preble & Goldthwait 
but Could never obtain the Favor Saving for Colo 
Pribles once visiting Fort Gaspereau. 

John Winslow. 

(P. 215): Camp Beausejour, July 31, 1755. 

Lievt Colo Winslow orders that the First Battallion 
be in readiness to morrow Morning at Seven of the 
Clock Immediately after Prayers and the men to have 
their things packt before. 

John Winslow. 

(P. 217): 
Names of men to be discharged from the First Bat- 
tallion * * * 

Majr Goldthwaits * * * Co. 
Samuel Masters. Zachariah Reed. 

(P. 224): 

Sir : The Colonel Desiers the Following men may be 
Sent this afternoon to Forte Lawrence with their arms 
and Baggage where they are to be Employed in making 
Bricks they will be Quartered in the Forte, vizt — ■ 



23 

Of Majr Goldthwaits Co. 

James Tufts. William Tufts. 

Partch Cowell. Edward Turner. 

James Tufts, Jr. William Hisley. 

Philip Turner. Ebenezer Blanchard. 
Stephen Blanchard. 

(S'gd) T. MONCRIEFFE. 

To Lievt Colo Winslow or 

officer Commanding in Camp. 

(P. 237): 

Chignecto, Aug. 14, 1755. 

Shipped on board Hodgins & Adams 14 Days Pro- 
visions for 300 men viz ; * * * (enumerates) * * * 

(Sgnd) Joshua. (Sgnd) J. Winslow. 

* * * Majr Goldthwaits (Co) number of weeks 21. 

84 Porke. 7 gals, 7 pts Pease — 7 — 14 — Butter — 
147 Bread — 21 Qts Meal, &c. 

A list of men missing, and of the wounded returned 
of Maj. Frys party, since the engagement at Pitcon- 
driack, in Nova Scotia on the 2nd Sep past, of which 
some account was given in our last paper. 

Lieut-Col. Winslow's Battalion * * * Lieut. Bil- 
lings wounded, Charles Babson missing. Major Gold- 
thwaits Company * * * 

(Supplement to Boston Evening Post, October 6, 
1 755-) For account of engagement see Evening Post 
of September 29, 1755.) 

The conclusion of Winslow's Journal does not make 
it quite clear just when Major Goldthwait's command 
embarked for Boston, and although companies are named 
as going aboard ship, his does not appear among them, 
nor does it appear that he then returned to Boston. 
I have found, however, the following letter from Gov- 
ernor Lawrence to Colonel Monckton which seems 
conclusive that they remained in Nova Scotia the winter 
of 1755-56: 



24 

Halifax, 26tli Aug., 1755. 
Dear Sir: 

I agree with you in Opinion that a large number of 
Troops will be needful upon the Isthmus during the 
winter, but I conclude that five Hundred Men will be 
enough for Fort Cumberland; two Hundred for the 
Fort at Gaspereau: and a Hundred for Fort Lawrence 
* * * Col Winslow is arrived with His Detachment, 
and has taken Post at the Church at Mines (Minas). 

'p 'P 'P 

The entire letter is full of plans for the wintering of 
the troops (His. Mag. Ser., i : 4: 41). 

Sep. 15. 

"Rany major Prible and Goldthwaite marched for 
Gauspereau with 400 to Reconayter that Place expect- 
ing to find Sum of the Enemy near thare." (Thomas 
Diary.) 

I find, also, a letter (N. E. His. Gen. Reg., 30:19.) 
written by Jedediah Preble, who was a Major in the 
same expedition, and in the same Battalion of Shirley's 
regiment, which indicates that they wintered in Nova 
Scotia, an extract from which reads as follows : 

On Board the Vulture, in Bacaron Passage, 

April 24, 1736. 
* * * "I have all the troops now embarkt and 
design to sail this Night for New England." * * * 

(Signed) Jed Preble. 

In 1756, after his return from the Second Louisburg 
expedition, Benjamin Goldthwait was again called into 
the service. 

This was the march to the relief of Fort Edward and 
Albany, when General Webb was in command of the 
former, and who, upon the defeat of Colonel Munroe 
at Fort William Henry, refused to go to his assistance, 



25 

but became panic-stricken, and communicated this 
panic to the commanding officer at Albany. This 
officer was Captain Christie, who wrote to the Gover- 
nors of Connecticut and Massachusetts: 'For God's 
sake exert yourselves to save a sinking Province. New 
York itself may Jail: save a country: prevent the downfall 
of the British Government upon this Continent^ 

Sir William Pepperrellwas ordered to repair to Spring- 
field at once, for the immediate defence of the country. 
It was upon this alarm call that Col. Benjamin Gold- 
thwait marched for Boston. But finding that Montcalm 
had retired after the siege and destruction of Fort 
Wm. Henry, these troops were recalled. 

Of this quick and loyal response to the call of the 
Province, Governor Pownall wrote: 

"I beg, Sir WiUiam (Pepperrell) , you will in due form 
give my thanks to the gallant ofiicers who have, on this 
occasion, so cheerfully turned out to serve their country. 
I shall always retain a very high esteem and honor 
for them, and do everything for them that falls within 
my power to make them amends for their fatigues & 
privations." 

Thus ended the panic occasioned in Massachusetts 
and Connecticut by the cowardice and imbecility of 
General Webb and the sensational letter from the 
terrified Commander at Albany in August, 1756. (See 
I,ife of Sir William Pepperrell, p. 299, &c.). The fol- 
lowing is Benjamin Goldthwait's Commission from 
Governor Shirley. 

William Shirley, Esq., Captain General and Gov- 
ernor in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of 
Massachusetts Bay in New England, &c. &c. 



26 

To Major Benjamin Goldthwait, Esq., Greeting! 
Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and 
Good Conduct, I do by these Presents Constitute and 
appoint you the said Benjamin Goldthwait, to take 
under your Command six hundred recruits raised by 
this Province above for Compleating their Quota of 
3500 men to be raised for Defense and Protection of 
his Majestys Territories from any further Encroach- 
ments of the French at Crown Point & upon the Lake 
Iroquois, commonly called by the French Lake Cham- 
plain, and for removing the Encroachments already 
made there, of which Forces the hon*"'^ John Winslow, 
Esq., is Commander in Chief. You are hereby directed 
and required to take upon you the Command of the 
said Recruits, and to march them off (in such manner 
as they may be collected), to Lake George, and there 
deliver them to the s"* John Winslow or the Commander- 
in-Chief for the time being, keeping them in good order 
and Discipline during their said march, and I do hereby 
command them, both officers and soldiers, to obey 
you as their Commander, and yourself to observe and 
follow such orders and Instructions as you shall from 
time to time receive from me, or the Comd' in Chief for 
the time being, or others, your superior officers for his 
Majestys service, agreeable to Rules and Discipline of 
war Pursuant to the Trust Reposed in you. 

Given, &c. 

(Sgd) W. Shirley. 

Instructions to Maj*" Goldthwait 
By his Excellency, &c. 

Whereas the Great and General Court or Assembly 
of the Province of Mass^ Bay afores*^ have made an 
Establishment for the Chief officer who I shall appoint 
for Conducting 600 Recruits to the army under the 
command of the Hon'''^ John Winslow, Esq. for Com- 
pleat^ their Quota of 3500 for Removing the French 
Encroachments, &c. You are hereby directed to march 



27 

the said 600 men as soon as may be, and on your joining 
the army to deliver them to the Commander in Chief 
for the time being, and to return to Boston as soon as 
may be unless Provided for agreeable to my Brevet 
Colonel's Commission hereunto given you, and in such 
case your pay as Commander of s"^ Recruits is to Cease. 

Given"; &c. 

(Sgd) Wm. Shirley. 
(Mass. Arch., 75: 405, 406.) 

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : 

I have rec'^ your message advising me not to Com- 
missionate Officers over the New Levies, but I must 
acquaint you that as the several Draughts out of the 
Regiments of Militia will be put under the Care and 
Conduct of some particular persons, it will be necessary 
that some person of Distinction should have the direc- 
tion of the whole, and more especially to take Charge 
of the Arms and other Stores, that so they may be 
properly distributed and secured for the Province. 

Major Goldthwait has been recommended to me for 
this Trust, and I propose to employ him accordingly. 
This I had determined to do to prevent any desertion 
of men, and loss and damage to the Province. 

(Sgd) W. Shirley. 
Province House, (Mass. Arch., 109: 345.) 

September 8, 1756. 

WilHam Atkins, who inhsted himself Aug. 31, 1756 
into his Majestys service, and took the oath of a soldier 
in the New Recruits raising for the expedition against 
Crown Point under command of Gen. Winslow, and 
received loL. lawful money for his encouragement to 
go in said service and is absconded. This is therefore 
to desire all his Majestys good Subjects to endeavour 
to take up the said Wm. Atkins and bring him to me 
the Subscriber, at Boston, that he may be obHged to 
attend his Duty and whosoever shall apprehend and 



28 

bring him shall receive Five Dollars Reward, and all 
necessary charges paid, 

By Benjamin Goldthwait. 

N. B. The said Atkins is a likely, middle-sized man 
about 22 years old, was born at New Haven, in Conn. 
Colony, and was in the service as a soldier last year at 
Chignecto under Gen. Winslow. 
Boston, Sep. 4, 1756. 

{Boston Evening Post, Sep. 13, 1756.) 

AlvBANY. Ocf 10, 1756. 

Gentlemen : 

I should have been glad to have made you a better 
Return of the Number of Men Raised by the Province 
and Committee to my Care to Reinforce the Troops at 
Lake George, but doubt not you will accept of the 
following. 

There has been mustered and accoutred at the 
severall Places appointed — viz — Boston, Worcester & 
Springfield about 400 men, 360 of which I have sent 
up to Gen. Winslow at Lake George, the other 40 odd 
by sickness deceit & desertion are at present lost but if 
it is in my power to Recover them I will as Knowing 
severall to be Very Great Villains nor should I have 
lost so many had I officers to attend me that knew there 
Duty, there has not been any arrived here since I 
left Springfield but those brout by Captain Whitcomb 
and had I not been kindly assisted by Coll° Chandler 
& Worthington I should not have got so many along. 

Upon my arrival immediately waited on Lord Loudon 
with my Commission who gave Directions for my 
Conduct which was to stay here till the proposed number 
of Troops or most of them arrived and then to go up 
to the Camp, as he had been gone near a week and none 
of our Troops yet got in nor do I hear of any on the 
Road purpose to sett out for the Camp at Lake George 
to morrow and there attend the orders of Gen^ Winslow 
to whom I am directed which shall be punctually 



29 



observed as shall any that come from you to him who 
is with Due Regards 

Gentlemen, your Dutiful and 

most obedient Humble serS 




(Mass. Arch., 55: 498, 9.) 

The other side is a list of the men Rec^ from the 
severell Regiments. 

A List of the men mustered and accoutred for the 
severell Coll° in the Province according to List 
given me. 

Coll" Coll" 

Hatch 5 Wilhams 15 

Wendell 5 Chandler 18 

Brindley (?) 13 Bradford 21 

Lincoln 5 Bowen 9 

Miller 4 Leonard 16 

Plaisted 16 Richmond 21 

Fowles 3 Saltonstall 15 

Clap 17 Murrow (Morrow) 15 

Brattle 14 Worthington 25 

Otis Israel Wilhams 53 

Winslow 

Sir. Wm Pepperell . 9 208 

Greenleaf 10 18^ 

Berry 19 

l^ing 38 393 

Buckmmster 13 From regiment unknown . . 17 

Wilder 14 

410 

185 



30 

The next Post will send the Name of every Person 
present & DeHnquent. 

Letter from Gen. Winslow, dated Nov. 3, 1756, refers 
to Levies that have come up under Col" Goldthwait 
(Mass. Arch., 55: 537,8). 

Here follows "A Return of the Men sent by the 
Province of Mass. Bay under the Command of Coll" 
Benj Goldthwaith to reinforce the Troops at Lake 
George and the several regiments thay were imprest 
from." 

Names of men and Colonels: Col. Hatches, Col. 
Wendells, Col. Lincolns, Col. Miller, Col. Fowles, 
Col. Brattles, Col. Clapp, Wm. Pepperell, Col. Chandler, 
Col. Saltonstall, Col. Appleton, Col. Bradford, Col. 
Bowen, Col. Greenleaf, Col. Tyng, Col. Buckminster, 
Col. Murray, Col. Leonard, Col. Wilder, Col. Worthing- 
ton, Col. Williams, Col. 

(sgd) Benj"" Goldthwait. 

(Mass. Arch.; 94: 125.) 
II men by CoP Goldthwait, Sep. 14, 1756. (M. A. 94:205) 

List of the men Imprest and Returned by the several 
Colonels who are upon their march to the Army under 
the command of General Winslow (same Colonels 
as above). List of men sent by Coll° Goldthwait & 
the Regiment returned from. (M. A. 94:270.) 

Province of the Mass. Bay to Benj Goldthwait, Dr 
September: To Cash paid for the subsistence of the 
four following soldiers who were mustered at Boston, 
but did not come under my command till I arrived at 
Worcester, & there they rec"^ their arms, &c. viz: 
Josiah Walker for Col. Brattle, Jacob Townsend dr, 
WilHam Dunn, Junior for Col. Hatch; Eleazer Boyd for 
Col. Brinley ; 4 men, 14 days travel. 21 each. 4 L. — 4. 

(sgd) Benj* Goldthwait. 
4 men paid 4 L. — 4. (M. A. 94: 415). 



31 

It will thus be seen that this gallant and hardy soldier 
of Boston had participated in five distinct campaigns 
in the service of the Province: 1744 (Annapolis 
Royal); First Louisburg, 1745; Grand Pre and Minas, 
1746-7; Cape Breton, or Acadian, 1755-6: Major in 
the Second Louisburg expedition; Relief of Fort 
Edward and Albany, 1757 ; covering over thirteen years 
of his vigorous manhood, and extending to within 
four years of his death. Yet the history of to-day 
scarcely makes mention of him except in a fragmentary 
way, and as he appears upon the scattered Provincial 
muster-rolls, or incomplete lists found from time to 
time. 

To the majority of his descendants he undoubtedly 
is almost a myth. Without a most careful and per- 
sistent search, it seemed well nigh impossible to connect 
his name here and there with the events narrated. A 
few years ago, the writer, a great-grand-nephew, had 
never heard of the existence of this grand old Provin- 
cial officer. 



MAY 19 1913 



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